Tracks are for Trains! NOT FOR KIDS! by Michigan Operation Lifesaver

The year 2022 is the 50th anniversary of Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting railroad safety, especially at level crossings. My favorite thing about OLI is a 2001 video produced by its Michigan division. Although this program focuses mostly on preventing crossing accidents, your kids and grandkids will also learn why trains are vital to our country. You can assume that the only trains we can play with are toys, some of which are powered by electricity, and they would be the safest of all. However, you should NEVER play or walk on railroad tracks, unless you can walk across them ONLY at designated crossings.

While most rail fatalities have been unintentional, there have been sadly some deliberate deaths on railroad tracks, and Operation Lifesaver is certainly no stranger to suicide prevention. So even if ou’re having a bad day, DON’T EVER let the trains take your life away. Also, if you’re feeling angry onboard a car, bus, or any vehicle, DON’T interfere with a driver for any reason. Some motorists have distracted themselves most commonly by drunk driving as well as cell phone usage while driving, and they can get hurt or killed by a train if they stall on the tracks. Another example of a safety hazard is climbing on or jumping into railroad equipment, which is trespassing on private property. ONLY well-trained railroad workers are authorized to use such equipment. If you’re visiting a museum that preserves locomotives and rolling stock, you must obey ALL of its safety rules and DON’T climb on any exhibit without permission from the museum.

We all know that trains can be very dangerous to humans, but sometimes it can be the other way around. Tampering or vandalizing signals, level crossings, and/or other railroad safety equipment can cause fatal collisions and is a severe crime. Additionally, placing objects on the tracks is STRICTLY PROHIBITED as that can potentially derail a train. So remember, “Tracks are for Trains! NOT FOR KIDS!” Well, I should also say, “NOT FOR ADULTS EITHER!” However, as long as you’re at a safe distance away from railroad property, you won’t be ashamed to watch the trains and have a good view of them. I remember the time I first watched this video at the annual Damascus Train Day show years ago, and I still see it on YouTube. That’s exactly what I’m sharing.

STOP, LOOK, LISTEN, AND LIVE! STAY SAFE EVERYONE!